Prosthetic Eye Care

Prosthetic eye care

INSERTING AND REMOVING THE PROSTHETIC EYE

Prosthetic eyes are easy to insert and remove whenever needed. The lower and upper eyelids of the patient are what secure the prosthesis in the eye socket. Remove your prosthesis once a month for cleaning purposes only.

Make sure your hands are clean before you remove the prosthesis. Otherwise, you may cause irritation in your eye socket...

 

REMOVING THE PROSTHESIS

Removing by hand  

• Pull your lower eyelid down using your index finger, look up and slide your finger slightly towards your ear.

• With the prosthesis moved over your lower eyelid, hold the prosthesis gently with your other hand and remove it from the socket.
  
  

Removing with suction cups  

• Open up your eyelids with one hand, while touching the intake tip of the suction cup onto the prosthesis with your other hand and squeeze and release the air-filled curved part. The prosthesis is now gripped by the suction cup.

• With one hand, pull your lower eyelid down. With your other hand, hold the suction cup and then remove the with prosthesis, paying attention to move the lower part of the prosthesis out first. 
  
   

INSERTING THE PROSTHESIS

Inserting by hand 

• Lift your upper eyelid up with the index finger of one hand. With your other hand, place the upper part of the prosthesis in your eyelid.

• Release your upper eyelid and gently pull your lower eyelid down using the same hand. With your other hand, insert your prosthesis in the eye socket. 
  
  

 

Inserting with suction cup  

• Touch the tip of the suction cup on the prosthesis; squeeze and release the bulged part filled with air. The prosthesis is now gripped by the suction cup. Lift your upper eyelid up with the index finger of one hand. With the other hand, place the upper part of the prosthesis in your eyelid with the help of the suction cup.

• Release your upper eyelid and pull your lower eyelid down gently with the same hand. When your prosthesis you are holding by means of the suction cup is seated in your eye socket, release your lower eyelid and squeeze the bulged part of the suction cup again, so that the suction cup releases the prosthesis.
  
  

 

CLEANING THE PROSTHESIS

The surface of the prosthesis will collect some protein in time. So, this protein must be washed away once a month. The prosthesis left uncleaned is likely to damage the eyelids and socket over time. 
It is advised that the frequency for clean-up should not exceed one month.

• Wash your hands with soap and lukewarm water.

• Clean your prosthesis with lukewarm water and baby shampoo by gently scrubbing with your fingers and removing the accumulated protein, if any.

• Use only water and baby shampoo during cleaning.

• Dry your prosthesis with a dry and soft towel, without applying any pressure against it.

You can remove the accumulated protein in your eyelids and lashes, with a towel dampened with lukewarm water. 
We strictly advice you to take your prosthesis to where you have purchased it every 6 months, for a thorough repolishing.

The points to consider during the use of prosthetic eye

1. Make sure that your hands are always clean when you insert or remove your prosthesis.

2. Put a clean towel under the prosthesis as a protection, in order to prevent damage and loss of your prosthesis in case you drop it while inserting and removing it.

3. Frequent inserting and removing your prosthesis may cause irritation in your eye socket and increased eye crusting. Make sure you insert and remove your prosthesis in accordance with the instructions of the prosthetic orthotic technician.

4. Close your eyes when washing your face and wash your eyes with your fingers beginning from the outside of your face towards your nose. If you open your eyes and wash them towards the outside, your prosthesis can turn over in your eye socket.

5. When talking with people, turn your head or your body, rather than moving your eyes.

6. Use polycarbonate non-prescription eyeglasses to protect your good eye, even if you are not wearing any glasses.

7. When you remove your prosthesis, do not put it in a tissue. It can be disposed of in the garbage bin mistakenly.

8. Never use solvent or alcohol derivative chemicals to clean your prosthesis. Otherwise your prosthesis and eye socket may be damaged.

9. Wear swimming goggles when swimming in the sea or pool.

POLISHING THE PROSTHETIC EYE

Polishing the prosthesis allows a more comfortable use and a more natural look. While polishing the prosthesis, the plaques that cause bacteria formation, such as protein and dried eye crusts, are removed.

It is recommended that your prosthesis be polished every 6 months.

 

Some symptoms indicating that your prosthesis needs polishing.

• Itching and rash on your eyelid.

• Increased eye crusting and feeling of discomfort.

• Loss of shine on your prosthesis.
• Please contact us for any questions regarding the use and care of your prosthesis.